Rome firefighters have been dispatched to Bekaert on Darlington Drive in reference to a building being on fire.

Photo courtesy of WRGA News in Rome

Plant Manager Gary Downey is out of town, but told WRGA it is his understanding that the fire began in one of their production areas and thankfully, everyone is safe.

He added they will have to get in there and assess exactly what happened. There have been no injuries reported as a result of the fire, but residents in the area have been asked to evacuate.

Photo courtesy of WRGA News in Rome

A half a mile area around the plant has been blocked off and people are being evacuated from Pecan Street off of Maple all the way to the Bekeart site.
Those needing shelter can go to the Gilbreath Center in Lindale. An emergency command center has also been set up at GNTC.

Photo courtesy of WRGA News in Rome

911 is only taking emergency calls, please to do not call 911 to ask them about the fire. Offiicals have blocked off roads near Bekeart at Darlinton Drive and Old Lindale Road at the interchange, so please avoid the area as you will not be able to get through.

Traffic is also backed up on Turner McCall Boulevard near Highway 27 South. Traffic is also backed up on Maple.